Ways to Give

Like all independent, non-profit schools, the Sacramento Waldorf School (SWS) relies on both tuition and fundraising for its operating revenue. Tuition alone does not generate enough income to fund the actual cost of a Waldorf education. The generous giving of time, talent, and treasure enables our School to provide a rich and varied Waldorf education, maintain minimal tuition increases, offer financial assistance to as many families as we can, and fulfill our mission of preparing young people to meet and fulfill their destinies through a Waldorf education.

There are many ways of making a gift to SWS, each with distinct tax advantages for the donor. A charitable gift may be outright, providing immediate support to SWS; it may be deferred, so that the donor will retain an interest in the gift property and the School’s actual use of the gift postponed; or it may be by bequest, as part of one’s estate plan. Moreover, a variety of assets may be appropriate for charitable gift purposes. Multi-year pledges of cash and/or appreciated securities are the preferred and most direct way of supporting the work and vision of SWS.

Gifts of Cash
All cash gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed under IRS regulations.

Pledges
Commitments made to campaigns as pledges can be paid on a schedule established by the donor over a period of months or years.

Securities
A gift of appreciated securities, either publicly traded or from a private company, may provide greater tax advantages than gifts of cash. The donor can deduct the current fair market value as a charitable gift and completely avoid capital gains tax on appreciation.

Employer Matching Gifts
Many companies will match or multiply donations made by employees. Those who wish to significantly enhance the value of their gift are encouraged to contact the personnel office of their employer about matching-gift opportunities.

Bequests and Other Planned Gifts
If SWS is named as a sole and irrevocable owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy, the market value (usually the cash surrender value) of the policy is deductible as a charitable gift. Bequest intentions established by individuals who are 72 years of age and older and who provided written confirmation of their specific bequest provisions for SWS will be counted toward the campaign’s total. Life income gifts (unitrusts, annuity trusts, pooled income fund contributions and gift annuities) will be counted towards a campaign’s total at a present value of the reminder interest allowable to the donor as a deduction by the IRS.

Personal Property
Contributions of tangible personal property — including real estate, rate books, works of art, and antiques — may provide immediate tax advantages. Gifts of real estate and personal property will be credited at the appraised value at the time of the gift, provided there are no restrictions on the sale of the property.

The endowment was established to support both current and future generations of our students and faculty and will last in perpetuity, with only the payout from the fund spent each year. Gifts to the endowment give forever, providing a solid financial foundation for our future.

SWSEndowmentThe endowment provides donors the gratification of helping secure the School’s future with the joy in honoring a child, grandchild, or teacher in a meaningful way. Gifts can also celebrate a milestone or cement a memory. Further, endowing assets often provides tax savings and other financial benefits that enable donors to give more than might have thought possible.